Scouting report: Jaguars' passing defense

Oct. 28, 2012

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The Jaguars rank No. 25 in passing yards allowed and don't have any top talent to rush or cover.

They rank last in the NFL in sacks percentage and have five sacks total. Their best rusher is end Jeremy Mincey, a sixth-round pick by New England in 2006 who had eight sacks for Jacksonville last year. He's a power and hands rusher at 6-4 and 265, not a speed threat. He has one sack this season.

Cornerback Rashean Mathis (6-1, 200) is their best defensive back. The 10-year pro made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and has 30 career interceptions. He used to rely mainly on his great combination of size and athleticism, but at age 32 now uses more smarts and instincts. The other starting cornerback, Derek Cox (6-1, 180), is a tall and physical with decent straight-line speed. The Jaguars signed former Giants cornerback Aaron Ross in free agency for three years and about $10 million, but he had an ankle injury in camp and has been a mild disappointment. Their best cover safety, Dwight Lowery, won't play this week because of a foot injury that sidelined him two weeks ago.